“Now, will you tell me exactly what should be done?” she said, with an attempt at the decisive manner she used in the conduct of charitable enterprises at Tercanbury.
“First of all get the fact into your head that there is no immediate cause for alarm. I’m afraid there’s no doubt that tubercle is there, but the damage at present is very small. He wants care and proper treatment.... Is he entirely dependent for means upon his occupation?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Is it possible for him to go away? He ought to winter abroad—not only for the climate, but also because new scenes will distract his mind.”
“Oh, I would so gladly pay for him, but he’d never accept a penny from me. Is it his only chance of life?”
“I can’t say that. The human body is a machine which constantly acts counter to expectation; sometimes with every organ diseased it still manages to dodder along.”
Bella did not listen, for suddenly an idea had flashed cross her mind. She blushed furiously, but all the same it seemed excellent; her heart beat madly, and an ecstatic happiness lifted her up. She rose from the chair.
“I dare say I can manage something, after all. I must go and talk to Miss Ley. Good-bye.”
She gave him her hand and left him wondering what had caused in her this sudden change, for the depression had vanished before something which quickened her gait and rendered her step elastic.
“Well, what did Frank tell you?” asked Miss Ley, when she had kissed Bella.